TALLAHASSEE, Fla. ? The University of South Alabama men’s tennis team (#26) opened the 2008 season with a victory over Florida A&M, Friday in Tallahassee, Fla. Florida A&M falls to 1-1 on the season, while USA is 1-0 on the year.

“That was our first match of the season and a win was something we needed,” head men’s tennis coach Nick Brochu said. “Tomorrow FSU will be a very talented team and the match will come down to who is hungrier.”

USA opened the match by sweeping the Rattlers in doubles, picking up one point. The duo of Jack Baker and Robert Hodel clinched the doubles win with an 8-6 score over Artiom Podgainii and Simbarashee Happy.

In singles action, the Jaguars proved to be as effective winning five of six matches. Marek Sramek defeated Artiom Podgainii, 6-2 and 6-0, while Jack Baker downed Clifford Malivert, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (2). Robert Hodel (6-3, 6-4) won in straight sets over Simbarashee Happy and R.J. Nagel (6-1, 6-2) defeated Maurice Wamukova. Sergio Rameriz (6-1, 6-0) proved victorious over Michael Moore, while Paul Paige of FAMU beat Jaguar Aaron Krisan, 6-3, 7-6 (3).

The Jaguars (1-0) will have a quick turnaround as they play #18 Florida State (4-0) Saturday at 1 p.m., in Tallahassee.

Doubles

1. Hodel/Baker (USA) def. Happy/Podbainii (FAMUM) 8-6*

2. Sramek/Ramirez(USA) def. Malivert/Wamukova (FAMUM) 9-8 (3)

3. Krisan/Nagel (USA) def. Moore/Paige (FAMUM) 8-1

Order of finish: 3,1*,2
Clinched the doubles point*

Singles

1. Marek Sramek (USA) def. Artiom Podgainii (FAMU) 6-2, 6-0

2. Jack Baker (USA) def. Clifford Malivert (FAMU) 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (2)

3. Robert  Hodel (USA) def. Simbarashee Happy (FAMU) 6-3, 6-4

4. Sergio Ramirez (USA) def. Michael Moore (FAMU) 6-1, 6-0

5. R.J. Nagel (USA) def. Maurice Wamkova (FAMU) 6-1, 6-2*

6. Paul Paige (FAMU) def. Aaron Krisan (USA) 6-3, 7-6 (3)

Order of finish: 1,4,5*,3,6,2
Clinched the match*